Kiku-Masamune Sake Moisturizing Toner

This is a Japanese skincare toner‑lotion from a brand rooted in sake brewing (Kiku‑Masamune brewery founded 1659) that uses rice‑ferment (sake) extract along with ceramides, amino acids, and other hydrators to deliver deep moisture, skin barrier support, and a smoother skin tone. It is marketed as alcohol‑free (in certain “high moisture” versions) and slightly acidic to match skin taste, making it suitable for hydrating, calming, and prepping skin。

Features and Benefits

• Deep hydration: Glycerin, butylene glycol, and amino acids (glutamate, arginine, leucine) pull moisture into the skin.
• Barrier support: Ceramide 3 and Ceramide 6 II included to help strengthen the skin’s barrier. 
• Brightening / tone‑evening: Arbutin is included to help reduce discoloration/pigmentation, along with sake (rice ferment) extract. 
• Soothing / calming: Dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice derivative) and placenta protein extract are present, helping calm and support skin. 
• Large size & economical: Many reviews note the generous bottle sizes (500 mL in many versions) making this a high‑value hydrator. 
• Good for layering: The watery‑lotion texture allows it to be used as early step after cleansing (akin to “first essence” or toner) then followed by serums/creams.

Suitable Skin Types

• Dry / Dehydrated skin: Because of the strong humectant and barrier‑supporting ingredients, this is well suited.
• Normal / Combination skin: Works well as a hydrating step to plump and calm skin.
• Sensitive / Barrier‑compromised skin: The barrier‑supporting ceramides and soothing agents mean it can be a good fit — though patch‑testing is still wise.
• Dull or uneven skin tone: The inclusion of arbutin and rice‑ferment extract makes it beneficial for those concerned with mild discoloration.
• All skin types looking for a hydrating lotion / toner step: Because it's fairly gentle and hydrating.
• Caution for oily/acne‑prone skin: While the formula is fairly lightweight, some users report breakouts or purging.